Today at church I found myself thinking about my recent griping
about the snow, the IRS, the gigantic stack of research papers, and the awful
financial aid process. It dawned on me that today is my three-month anniversary of
my surgery; I'm alive! What do I
have to complain about? My life got a new springtime! Springtime and Easter—snow
not withstanding—are symbols of rebirth, renewal, and resurrection. Easter
reminds me to focus on the promise of new life.
So, as I have told myself before, I want to accept all that life has to
offer with an open and grateful hand.
The old adage by Benjamin Franklin reminds us that “in this world,
nothing is certain but death and taxes.”
Well, I’ve temporarily eluded death, so I will pay my taxes and shovel
snow and grade papers and do so with a joyful spirit.
Today it felt particularly good to sing the old Charles
Wesley lyrics:
“Raise your joys and triumphs high, Sing ye heavens and
earth reply, Alleluia!”
(PS: I can’t help but notice the delightful irony in the
universe that the financial aid process is really quite reminiscent of a
prostate exam—good thing I am so experienced in that regard.)
